Sleeping with the TV on may make you gain weight

CHICAGO (AP) - A new study suggests dozing off to late-night TV or sleeping with other lights on may mix up your body clock and lead to weight gain and even obesity.

Researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health found that those who reported sleeping at night in a room with a television or a light on were more likely to gain at least 11 pounds over about five years than those who slept in darkness.

The study bolsters other evidence suggesting that too much exposure to light at night could pose health risks.

Exactly how is uncertain but scientists think disruption in release of hormones related to sleep and appetite may be involved.

The research was published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.